The Rome Statute at 20

This year marks a major milestone for the International Criminal Court, with the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute. The Rome Statute is the ICC's founding treaty, adopted on 17 July 1998 at the United Nations Diplomatic Conference, and entered into force four years later, on 1 July 2002. The Rome Statute is supported by over 120 countries, including 33 African States, 19 Asian States, 18 Eastern European States, 28 Latin American and Caribbean States, and 25 Western European and other States. The United States, Israel, Russia, and United Arab Emirates are amongst the signatory States that have since formally withdrawn their signatures and not ratified the agreement.

To celebrate the publication of The Trial of the Kaiser by William A. Schabas, and to commemorate 20 years of the Rome Statute, we have put together a collection of articles, headnotes, and chapters from across Oxford Public International Law exploring the historical background, structure, and legacy of the International Criminal Court, along with some of the crimes within the court's jurisdiction.

You can also take our quiz to test your knowledge of the ICC.

The Origins and Establishment of the Court (Back to top)

An International Criminal Court from The Trial of the Kaiser by William A. Schabas The Path to Rome and Beyond, From Nuremberg to Rome: International Military Tribunals to the International Criminal Court from The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, 17th July 1998 Establishment of the Court: Institution de la Cour, Art.1 The Court/La Cour from The International Criminal Court: A Commentary on the Rome Statute (2nd Edition)

The Crimes (Back to top)

Genocide War Crimes Crimes Against Humanity from Principles of International Criminal Law (3rd Edition) The Crime of Aggression from Treatise on International Criminal Law: Volume II: The Crimes and Sentencing

Structure and Workings of the Court (Back to top)

International Criminal Court (ICC) Structure of the ICC, The Court: Composition of the Court from The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Negotiated Relationship Agreement between the International Criminal Court and the United Nations, 4th October 2004

The Legacy of the ICC (Back to top)

Part VI Impact, ‘Legacy’, and Lessons Learned, A Look towards the Future

Further Reading (Back to top)

 

Take our Ultimate ICC Quiz: (Back to top)